The American Revolution - AP U.S. History

What principle justified the colonies' break from Britain?

Natural rights and self-governance. Enlightenment ideas about inherent human rights and democratic government.
Which battle is considered the first significant American victory?

Battle of Saratoga. Major victory that convinced France to join the American cause.
What was the primary aim of the Second Continental Congress?

To manage the colonial war effort. Organized military resistance and declared independence from Britain.
Identify the act that taxed legal documents and newspapers.

The Stamp Act. First direct tax on colonial paper goods and documents.
Who was the British general who surrendered at Yorktown?

General Cornwallis. British commander who surrendered at the war's decisive final battle.
Identify the main author of the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson. Primary writer of the document declaring American independence.
What event involved the destruction of British tea in 1773?

The Boston Tea Party. Protest against the Tea Act by dumping tea into Boston Harbor.
Which group organized protests against British taxation?

The Sons of Liberty. Secret organization that coordinated colonial resistance activities.
Identify the location of the Continental Army's winter camp in 1777-78.

Valley Forge. Site where troops endured harsh winter conditions but emerged stronger.
Identify the group that drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Committee of Five. Congressional committee tasked with writing the independence document.
What was the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War?

Battle of Yorktown. Decisive victory that led to British surrender and war's end.
Which law required colonists to house British soldiers?

The Quartering Act. Forced colonists to provide lodging for British troops.
Identify the act that led to the Boston Tea Party.

The Tea Act. Granted monopoly to British East India Company, angering colonial merchants.
Who were the Loyalists during the American Revolution?

Colonists loyal to Britain. Americans who remained faithful to the British Crown during the war.
Which event marked the start of the American Revolution?

Battles of Lexington and Concord. First military engagements between British and colonial forces.
Which law aimed to raise revenue by taxing molasses?

The Sugar Act. Early revenue measure that affected colonial trade and commerce.
Who was the commander of the Continental Army?

George Washington. Led colonial forces throughout the Revolutionary War.
What principle justified American independence in 1776?

Consent of the governed. Enlightenment concept that government authority comes from the people.
What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a turning point, leading to French alliance. Victory convinced France that America could win, securing crucial foreign support.
Identify the author of 'Common Sense' published in 1776.

Thomas Paine. Wrote the influential pamphlet advocating colonial independence.
Who negotiated the Treaty of Paris for the United States?

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay. American diplomatic team that secured favorable peace terms.
Which alliance was crucial for the American victory?

Franco-American Alliance. Provided essential military and naval support to American forces.
Who was the King of Britain during the American Revolution?

King George III. British monarch who refused colonial reconciliation attempts.
Who was the primary foreign diplomat for the colonies during the war?

Benjamin Franklin. Secured crucial French alliance and support for the American cause.
What was the main purpose of the First Continental Congress?

To address colonial grievances. Coordinated colonial response to British policies before war began.
What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

To seek peace with Britain. Final attempt at reconciliation before declaring independence.
What was the primary grievance in the Declaration of Independence?

Taxation without representation. Central complaint about British rule without colonial representation in Parliament.
Which pamphlet argued for American independence in 1776?

'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine. Influential publication that convinced many colonists to support independence.
Which document declared the colonies free from British rule?

The Declaration of Independence. Foundational document that established American independence and principles.
Which battle secured French support for the American cause?

Battle of Saratoga. American victory that demonstrated military capability to potential allies.
Which battle effectively ended the Revolutionary War?

Battle of Yorktown. Final siege that forced British surrender and ended major fighting.
Which act imposed taxes on paper, paint, glass, and tea?

The Townshend Acts. Revenue-raising measures that sparked colonial resistance.
What was the primary role of the Continental Congress?

To govern the colonies during the Revolution. Colonial government that coordinated resistance and war efforts.
Which act closed Boston Harbor in response to the Tea Party?

The Intolerable Acts. Punitive measures that united colonies in opposition to British rule.
Identify the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Showed colonial resolve despite defeat. Heavy casualties proved colonials could fight British regulars effectively.
What was the main argument of the Olive Branch Petition?

To seek peace and assert loyalty to the Crown. Last-ditch effort to avoid war while maintaining colonial loyalty.
What document formally ended the American Revolutionary War?

Treaty of Paris (1783). Peace agreement that officially concluded the Revolutionary War.
What was the role of the Minutemen during the Revolution?

Rapid militia response force. Colonial volunteers ready to fight at a moment's notice.
What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To declare independence from Britain. Document formally announced separation from British rule.

Study these flashcards